Arsenal's Key Center-Back Gabriel Sidelined for no Less than 30 Days with Thigh Problem
The North London club are concerned that defender Gabriel Magalhães could be out of action for a minimum of four weeks after picking up a thigh problem while with the national team in the past few days.
Gabriel was forced off during Brazil's 2-0 victory against Senegal in a friendly at the Emirates Stadium on the weekend and has since gone back to his club for additional assessments.
Club tests are ongoing, and the club have not yet announce the full extent of the 27-year-old absence.
Nevertheless, he is not expected to play for the key North London derby on Sunday or the European fixture with Bayern Munich just three days.
Possible Absence and Key Fixtures
Club sources worry that Gabriel could miss at least one month, possibly longer, based on the extent of the injury.
That could keep him out of several important games, like:
- Domestic matches against the Blues and Brentford at home
- An road trip to play Aston Villa
- The European match at Brugge on 10 December
Mikel Arteta's side—that presently have a significant advantage over Manchester City—then meet Wolverhampton at home before a rescheduled trip to Goodison Park on 20 December.
Major Blow for The Title Bid
Being without Gabriel could prove a significant problem for Arsenal in their title challenge.
This center-back has played every minute of the top-flight season so far and is integral to a backline that has conceded just five goals in 11 outings.
Prior to the recent tie at Sunderland, the team had kept 8 consecutive shutouts in all competitions.
Replacement Options and Additional Injury Concerns
Cristhian Mosquera and fellow new signing Hincapié are in the frame to fill in for the Brazilian against Tottenham.
Additionally, there are doubts over whether striker Gyökeres will be back to lead the line after sitting out the club's final two fixtures before the pause due to a hamstring injury.
In other news, Germany manager Nagelsmann revealed that Kai Havertz has experienced a “minor relapse” during his comeback from a knee injury.
While Arteta had been hopeful about the player's return soon, the national team boss indicated that Havertz is currently expected to be back in late December.
Squad Tested to the Limit
The club saw their championship bid hurt last season by a succession of injuries and spent heavily in the transfer window to reinforce the team.
However, with captain Ødegaard additionally on the injured list—along with Madueke and Martinelli—the team is being stretched significantly.